For many, Circuit Zandvoort is a magical place. But rarely has it brought more joy to someone’s life than to photographer Chris Schotanus. A happy childhood, a beautiful hobby, a loving family, lifelong friendships, and work. This is a story about falling in love with Zandvoort, and more.
From Prince Bernhard Junior and Robert van Overdijk to Jan Lammers, Tom and Tim Coronel, the Bleekemolen family, Rob Slotemaker, Hans Ernst, and many more. There is no shortage of famous names associated with Circuit Zandvoort. And Chris Schotanus? Less known to the general public, but no less a ‘child of Zandvoort’. On the contrary, Schotanus has wonderful stories in words and images about what he calls ‘his playground’.
“As a motorsport photographer, it’s fantastic here. This circuit is so special, the characteristics and features, as well as the changes to the circuit over the years. It’s wonderful to take photos, I still do it every day with pleasure. Whether it’s during the Formula 1 Grand Prix or on other days; I live nearby, I’m at the circuit in no time and there’s always something to see, do, experience. And therefore, to photograph.”
‘A guilder for a photo’
From races to course days or corporate outings and training sessions – Schotanus takes his pictures with equal pleasure. “In all kinds of weather.” There you have it, the passion for motorsport. For photography. Especially for the combination of both. And when Schotanus talks about Circuit Zandvoort, his heart skips a beat.
With a smile, Schotanus tells how photography used to be at Circuit Zandvoort. “When I was about 14 years old, I sold a photo to a driver for the first time. He asked: ‘What do you want for it?’ I said: ‘A guilder’. He said: ‘Okay’. But then I thought: if I ask for two guilders, then I can buy a new roll of film from that one sold photo. That’s how it all started.”
